Protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar entered their third consecutive day on October 4, with demonstrations taking place in both Delhi and Mumbai. The protests are largely focused on the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
In Delhi, security was tightened around central areas as protesters attempted to move towards Jantar Mantar. Police erected barricades and detained demonstrators who tried to cross the restricted areas. More than 500 people had been detained during the protests since Friday, while additional detentions were reported during Sunday’s demonstrations.
Student groups, AAP workers and other opposition supporters participated in the protests. AISA national president Neha Bora was among those detained after protesters attempted to cross police barricades. AAP leaders, including Delhi unit chief Saurabh Bharadwaj and MLA Sanjeev Jha, were also detained during a separate demonstration near India Gate. Police said restrictions were imposed because permission for the gatherings had not been granted.
Uddhav and Raj Thackeray Join Hands in Mumbai
Meanwhile, Mumbai witnessed a major Opposition mobilisation led by Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray. The two cousins, who have remained politically apart for years, appeared together at the Virat Garjana Morcha against the Election Commission. Congress and NCP (SP) leaders also participated in the march.
The march moved from Metro Cinema towards the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation headquarters. Organisers asked participants to carry the national flag instead of party flags, highlighting the protest as a campaign focused on electoral issues.
The protesters demanded the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar and called for the SIR exercise in Maharashtra to be stopped. Raj Thackeray also renewed his demand for elections to be conducted using ballot papers instead of electronic voting machines (EVMs).
